--- loncom/interface/lonmysql.pm	2003/03/13 19:08:52	1.9
+++ loncom/interface/lonmysql.pm	2003/03/14 15:37:02	1.10
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # The LearningOnline Network with CAPA
 # MySQL utility functions
 #
-# $Id: lonmysql.pm,v 1.9 2003/03/13 19:08:52 matthew Exp $
+# $Id: lonmysql.pm,v 1.10 2003/03/14 15:37:02 matthew Exp $
 #
 # Copyright Michigan State University Board of Trustees
 #
@@ -396,6 +396,26 @@ sub number_of_rows {
     return undef if (! defined(&update_table_info($table_id)));
     return $Tables{&translate_id($table_id)}->{'Rows'};
 }
+###############################
+
+=pod
+
+=item &get_dbh()
+
+Input: nothing
+
+Returns: the database handler, or undef on error.
+
+This routine allows the programmer to gain access to the database handler.
+Be careful.
+
+=cut
+
+###############################
+sub get_dbh { 
+    return undef if (! defined(&connect_to_db()));
+    return $dbh;
+}
 
 ###############################